Sheriff Buford Pusser, known for battling crime, is reported to have been the perpetrator in the murder of his own wife, according to investigators.
In a surprising turn of events, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has reexamined decades-old files on the death of Pauline Mullins Pusser, the wife of former Tennessee sheriff Buford Pusser, as part of its regular review of cold cases.
The investigation, which began in 2022, has revealed a troubling picture of domestic violence and a potential cover-up in the 1967 murder of Pauline Mullins Pusser. The case was initially closed quickly, built largely on Buford Pusser's own statement. However, agents found inconsistencies between his version of events and the physical evidence in the case.
A key piece of evidence is a previously healed broken nose found during the autopsy of Pauline Mullins Pusser, which was conducted after her exhumation in 2024. Dr. Michael Revelle, an emergency medicine physical and medical examiner, concluded that Pauline was more likely than not shot outside the car and then placed inside it.
Griffon Mullins, Pauline's younger brother, found closure in the investigation. He described Pauline as a "people person" and a sweet individual. He was "not totally shocked" by the revelations of domestic violence in Pauline's marriage, stating that such behaviour was not uncharacteristic of Buford Pusser.
Statements from people around at the time of Pauline's death support the conclusion that she was a victim of domestic violence. This is a stark contrast to the image portrayed in the Hollywood movie "Walking Tall," which depicted Buford Pusser as a tough but fair sheriff with zero tolerance for crime.
The TBI plans to make the case file, exceeding 1,000 pages, available to the public. Members of the public can make appointments to review the case file in person or purchase a copy, according to university Chancellor Yancy Freeman Sr. The case file will be handed over to the University of Tennessee at Martin once redactions are completed.
The university will create an online, searchable database for the case, providing access to the details of this historic investigation for researchers, journalists, and the general public. This move is likely to shed new light on a story that has captivated Tennessee for over half a century.
As the investigation continues, it is clear that the truth about Pauline Mullins Pusser's death is finally coming to light. If Buford Pusser were alive today, prosecutors would present an indictment to a grand jury for the killing of Pauline Mullins Pusser. This development is sure to shock fans of Buford Pusser, but it serves as a reminder that justice can still be sought, even in the coldest of cases.
Griffon Mullins expressed gratitude for knowing what happened to Pauline before his own death. His words serve as a testament to the importance of persistence in seeking the truth and ensuring that justice is served, even in the face of adversity.
